Sparkling speck of Diamond of Motherhood

Greetings!

Shivaji Maharaj is one of the legendary Kings, hailed for his greatness all over the world.

According to Prof. Narhar Kurundkar, the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj lies in his ability to inspire people to such an extent that not only the soldiers, but even a common man was ready to lay his life for the Swarajya (Independent Government) led by the great Shivaji Maharaj. 

This great King was nurtured to greatness by his mother Jijamata. There was another mother who left an indelible mark on Shivaji Maharaj and inspired him.

Her name was ‘Hirkani’ (the name means "A Sparkling Diamond Speck")

Those hailing from the western state of Maharashtra in India are aware about the extra-ordinary story of Hirkani.

For those who don’t know - here is a short version of the story.

Shivaji Maharaj, who reigned the land as well hearts of people, was being coronated. The coronation ceremony needed a lot of milk. Hirkani was the mother of an infant and a milkmaid, living in a village at the foothills of the fort.

One day, Hirkani went up to the fort to deliver milk and was unfortunately late in returning back. In those days, the gates of fort used to get closed at sun set and would open again only at sun rise.

Hirkani was distraught as she wanted to get back to her child and nurse the young boy, who was being looked after by another elderly lady while Hirkani sold her milk on the fort. Hirkani begged the guards to open the gates, but their hands were tied by rules.

Finally, Hirkani made her mind to just start climbing down the fort and the steep hill that led to a valley hundreds of meters down. Even seasoned mountaineers and warriors could not dream of climbing down the treacherous slopes, full of thorns, stones and wild animals in the broad daylight. But this was night! A single misstep would take her down to sure death hundreds of meters below. But Hirkani couldn't care less. She was a mother first. And at that time, the only instinct she had was a mother's yearning to nurse and care for her child!

Hirkani finally made it to her village at the foothills of the fort. She was injured everywhere. Her whole body was bleeding. But that was nothing compared to her 'Mother's heart' that bled for her child. People say that she simply went to her child to nurse and comfort the infant!!!

I think this is one of the most sparkling and dazzling examples of a mother. Over years, I have seen such sparkling mothers all across. Sometimes she comes in the form of a Grand Father who looks after grand children who have lost their parents. She also comes in the form of a son who looks after his father through his old age and ailments. Sometimes in the form of a great men and women who look after the elderly without any returns. Sometimes she comes in the form of a Major in Army who takes enemy fire to give split second chance to his sub-ordinates. Sometimes in the form of a leader who relentlessly serves the nation without thinking about any personal gain.

I believe that this "Sparkling speck of Diamond of Motherhood" resides in the pulsating heart that each one of us carries. 

May this Mother’s day shine light on this speck in every heart!

Sincerely Mine!

Anand Kulkarni

PS: Song celebrating the "Sparkling speck of Diamond of Motherhood" from a recent movie made on the heroic deed of "Hirkani". Sung in heart-touching manner by the melodious Asha Bhosale.